2008 Little Rock Critiques

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Deadline to register is August 18, 2008.

Critique group instructions

Welcome to the Little Rock 2008 critique sessions. Many people consider Critique Day the most valuable part of the convention experience. That's up to you, as the quality of the critiques depends on you. There's a fair amount of preparation involved, but the payoffs are substantial. You'll get loads of feedback on your work; you'll gain valuable insights and ideas as you review your colleagues' work.

To make the critiques successful, here's what you need to do right now.

1. Collect your critique materials and send them right away to your critique group. If you send photocopies, make sure the type size is large enough to read easily. Your fellow participants and the requested materials will be sent to you once you register. Hint: Use an overnight or two-day service to ensure prompt delivery.

2. In each packet, include:

• All the samples requested.
• A data sheet. This provides background information about your editorial operations so your colleagues can assess your work in context. Note: If you want your colleagues to pay attention to a certain aspect of your work, indicate that on the data sheet.
• Information about how to access your Web site, if that's a relevant part of your work. Your best bet is to send your colleagues an e-mail containing the links you want them to check.

3. Besides sending packets to your critique group, send at least one extra to Critique Chair. He'll/She'll have it handy in case it's needed at the last minute (late additions to your group, lost items, etc.)

4. Start work on your critiques as soon as your colleagues' materials arrive. You should receive them shortly. (Contact your group leader if you don't get them within 10 days of this letter.)

• Plan to spend at least six to eight hours preparing the critiques. (Divide your time into four 90-minute sessions if that helps.)
• Prepare detailed, written critiques - a couple of typed pages - of two of your colleagues' work. Their names will be indicated on your assignment sheet. You don't need to pen a laborious essay. Just put together your constructive remarks on what worked, what didn't work and why. Praise good work and say why it stands out. Offer suggestions for improvements or different approaches. When you pack for Little Rock, bring enough copies for everyone in your group.
• Also familiarize yourself with the work of the others in your group. If possible, provide written comments - whether a brief report or margin notes - for these critique subjects as well. That gives them something to take home, helping your critique yield longer-term results.
• Remember that your colleagues expect - and most will even appreciate - your constructive criticism. The goal is to improve their work, not to destroy their psyches.
• Be prepared in Little Rock to spend 10 to 12 minutes discussing each of your two detailed critiques. Come prepared to contribute to the other discussions as well.
• If you're tempted to stall or procrastinate, remember the NCEW tradition: It's considered bad form to talk during critique sessions unless you've done your written preparations.

Questions?

Pat Stroble, Manager, NCEW
E-mail: ncew@pa-news.org
Phone: 717-703-3015

Critique Data Sheet

Overall Guidelines & Tips

What to Prepare